how to update BIOS?

Answer 1

The BIOS needs to be updated (flashed) every few years to accommodate the operation of new components that change frequently. The update is normally obtained from the maker of the computer, the motherboard or sometimes the BIOS maker itself.

Other reasons why you need to update are:
1. Large hard drive support. Older BIOS's couldn't see drives larger than 37GB due the 48bit problem.
2. New video card technology such as AGP 8X support, or in older machines 2X to 4X. Today the SLI support is a biggie
3. ACPI compatibility
4. CPU support. BIOS companies often release new CPU microcode updates to the motherboard companies who in turn add them to their BIOS's to support newer CPU's
5. Fix problems. The motherboard companies often release many BIOS's when a motherboard is first released. A common culprit is USB compatibility. There are so many USB devices nowadays and many of them try to use the same IRQ. Not a problem when Windows XP loads but as the system the BIOS is loading, IRQ conflicts can cause your USB devices to not be found.
6. Memory support whenver you install more RAM. Newer faster memory may have a few issues on your motherboard. MIght be larger then what was originally tested. A tweak from the motherboard company can fix that.
7. The most common reason. You update your BIOS becasue there is a BIOS update available! (OK I do this too!) You just can't stop yourself. Its sort if the same reason you have all the latest gadgets.

Click here for a great tutorial - Updating the BIOS is very specific for each manufacturer, thus I am directing you to this tutorial to assist you best, since you did not include any system information in your question. This is a comprehensive site that will provide all that you need to accomplish your goal.

Wim's BIOS Page
http://www.wimsbios.com/index.jsp

Answer 2

The BIOS (pronounced BYE-oss) is software in a little chip on your computer's motherboard that contains settings about the computer.

These are remembered when you turn the computer off. BIOS, by the way, stands for Basic Input/Output System

A flash BIOS chip contains BIOS information that can be erased and updated. This allows it to recognize new features on an upgraded processor chip or new component that has come out since you bought your computer.

Most commonly a user would want to upgrade a BIOS on an older machine so that it can use Plug and Play features built into Windows.

In the case of today's question, it's necessary to upgrade the BIOS so that the system will support a larger hard drive.

BIOSes on older machines sometimes need to be updated because they limit the size of a hard drive.

In you're lucky enough to have a machine with a flash BIOS chip, upgrading the BIOS is as simple as running an upgrade program that can be obtained from your motherboard manufacturer.

"Flashing is relatively easy," explained Faisal Premji of Voodoo Computers in Edmonton. Though he warns there's an extra step you'll have to take since you have an ASUS-brand motherboard.

"You do have to set a jumper to enable boot block programming," he said.

If your mouth went dry when you read that last sentence, you're not alone.

Mine did, too.

But not to fear, here's the poop on that: You'll need to change a jumper on your motherboard to allow the BIOS to be written to. A jumper is a little black connector that straddles two tiny prongs.

"Look in your motherboard manual for the correct location," suggests Premji. "It will have diagrams and tell you exactly what to do.

"If you don't have a manual, take it to your local computer dealer, or where you bought the system from. They will be happy to do it."

Not all motherboards require this boot block programming jumper set.

If you're planning to upgrade the BIOS on your machine, check with the manufacturer of your motherboard. Most of the common brands have Web sites with clear and straightforward instructions.

For our reader, the upgrade should be straightforward. Premji provided this step-by-step procedure.

1) Download pflash.zip and the appropriate BIOS file.

2) Unzip the files into a temporary directory.

3) Set boot block jumper to 'PROGRAM' mode.

4) Run the file Pflash.exe, and follow the instructions.

The only instance where you may run into a problem is if you interrupt the programming by turning the computer off or rebooting it during the procedure. So, to be blunt, don't do that.

I recently upgraded the BIOS on my dad's IBM Pentium machine and accomplished the procedure in under an hour, with the assistance of an IBM help desk technician. The folks who sold you your system will likely help you, too.

Answer 3

No. BIOS updates can in difficulty-free words be carried out manually. The consumer might want to obtain the BIOS updates from the producer and initiate the technique. some manufacturers have a residing house windows depending GUI that runs in a common consultation out of your pc.

Answer 4

BIOS for what? Your motherboard? Just go to the manufacturer's web site. They will also provide instructions for updating the BIOS there too.
Don't update your BIOS unless you know that you absolutely have to. You could make things worse.

Answer 5

If you're asking this question, you shouldn't be attempting it- take it to a shop or hire a tech.

BIOS upgrades are for people who are very familiar with what they're doing, since a failed update can leave your machine unbootable.

Answer 6

hii man if ur using windows u can update ur bios by auto matic updates r by going to windos site to update it man..by the way what do y use..??

Answer 7

here is one of your kind

http://www.cyberwalker.com/columns/oct00/121000.html


hope that helps